The Social Security Administration has eased some of its new identity verification requirements and delayed implementation from March 31, 2025 to April 14, 2025. The revised rules for identity verification represent a significant procedural change that will affect clients who prefer or need to manage their benefits through phone or in-person channels rather than online. The change is part of the Administration and DOGE’s efforts to curb fraud and abuse at all levels of government.

Key Changes Effective April 14, 2025:

1. Different Requirements by Benefit Type:

• • • Retirement, Survivors, or Auxiliary Benefits: Require either online identity proofing (via my Social Security account) or in-person identity verification at an SSA office
    • SSDI, Medicare, and SSI Applications: Can be completed entirely by telephone without in-person office visits if applicants cannot use my Social Security accounts
    • Exceptions: Can waive requirements for “extreme dire-need situations” such as terminal cases or prisoner pre-release scenarios (with documentation and management approval)

2. Direct Deposit Changes:

• • • All direct deposit changes (for any benefit type) require identity verification

3. In-Person Appointments:

• • • Current wait times are about an hour on the phone to schedule an in-person appointment and a four week to four month wait for an appointment. With the SSA simultaneously reducing its workforce by up to 12% and closing dozens of field offices, your clients may face even longer delays. Advise them to start early.
    • To allay concerns on benefit delays because of anticipated wait times, the Social Security Administration is looking to partner with the Postal Service to allow beneficiaries to identify in person at thousands of post offices.

4. Resources:

• • Clients can create a “my Social Security” here and stay updated about identity proofing requirements at What to Know about Proving Your Identity

Although SSA has increased in-office staffing with employees working five days per week to support these enhanced verification requirements, SSA is simultaneously reducing its workforce by up to 12% and closing dozens of field offices. Your clients may face significant delays accessing benefits. Understanding these changes now will allow you to proactively advise clients and prevent processing delays that could frustrate their financial planning.